One minute of calm....

Do you want to learn how to meditate but are intimidated by the different choices?  Here is a simple breathing exercise to start you off on your way to a minute of calm.

• Sit comfortably
• Close you eyes
• Imagine candles lined up in front of you
• Picture the first candle flame lighting up as you take in a long deep breath
• Now imagine you are blowing out that flame as you exhale
• Repeat for all the candles in front of you
• Count each candle as it lights up 
• Do this ten times

How do you feel?

For more info or to schedule a free call to see if counseling or coaching may be right for you, go to  www.maximize-wellness.com

Cara Maksimow, LCSW, CPC 

Can you let go of the banana?

I was recently reading and came across information about the way monkeys are trapped in some areas of the world.  A tree or a gourd is hollowed out and food, like a banana is put inside.  Monkeys can smell the banana and they reach in to grab the treat only to get stuck inside.  With their hands clenched over the banana they can not get out of the trap and are then left with a choice.  

Let go of the banana and get free

or 

hold on to the banana and remain trapped.

Silly monkey - just let go!

 

But then it hit me how hard that really is! 

If I replace the banana with things like perfectionism, anger, resentment, negativity I realize that it is not just the monkey that gets stuck.  We all find ourselves trapped because we can't seem to let go of something that keeps us from moving on.  

Being able to just RELEASE and LET GO is all that is needed to set us free.  

Yet why do we have such difficulty doing so?

Is there something you are holding on to that is keeping you trapped recently? 

 

Is it conflict with a friend, anger over a work situation, desire to please others or be perfect?

What would happen if you were able to release whatever it is you are holding on to?  

What is your banana?

 Can you let it go?